System requirements:
Primary PC – Pentium PC running Windows XP (SP2); 2000: 2003.
Secondary PC – Pentium PC running Windows 98; ME; NT4; 2000: 2003;
XP (SP2). Disk Space: 3MB; TCP/IP Ethernet; Wireless LAN or USB to
USB connection.
Inexpensive and easy to use, MaxiVista Multi Monitor Software
enables the extension of the desktop of one PC over a series of
other monitors, be that an old secondary desktop, laptop or tablet
pc.
Fig 1:
MaxiVista can even be used with a Tablet PC
Using a digital connection, combined with lossless screen
transmission, MaxiVista provides crisp display quality without the
need of expensive graphic cards, video cables or monitor KVM
switches. The desktop extension is achieved via the MaxiVista
software and a standard Ethernet or Wireless LAN connection.
Installation
MaxiVista comes in three versions – Standard, Professional and
Mirror Pro. For this review MaxiVista Professional was tested.
Fig 2: Feature Comparison
The Installation was straightforward, taking literally just a few
minutes. The Professional along with the Mirror Pro edition are
capable of linking a total of four PCs (1 primary and 3 secondary)
to create a massive 7,680 X 1,600 pixel display. Both these versions
also support Remote Control via mouse or keyboard.
For those interested in seeing just how good MaxiVista is a demo
version is available on the MaxiVista web site (www.maxivista.com).
Installation of the demo version is somewhat longer than that of the
retail version due to the fact that the Demo requires two separate
installation files - maxivista_setup_primarypc.exe and
maxivista_setup_secondarypc.exe - to be installed. The retail
version, on the other hand, consists of a single file installation
process.
Come
Join Us
MaxiVista is initially installed on the Primary pc. This is referred
to as the Server program. Along with the Server Program MaxiVista
installs a virtual video driver, thus fooling windows into believing
an additional monitor has been installed. Once the Server program
has been installed a new application – the Viewer Program – is
created on the primary PC’s desktop.
This Viewer Program, which contains a compressed version of the
virtual video card is then copied to each of the secondary PCs. You
don’t even have to worry if you already have a dual monitor set-up,
because MaxiVista Professional will work with this too.
If running a firewall you will, however, need to configure the
firewall to allow MaxiVista to access the network. It is suggested
in the MaxiVista User Guide that you not use the free version of
Zone Alarm with the MaxiVista software as the free version of Zone
Alarm does not offer to configure individual UDP ports therefore
MaxiVista may not be able to access the other PCs on the network.
If you are installing the Demo version the Viewer program has to be
installed separately on the Secondary pc. This is achieved by
running the maxivista_setup_secondarypc.exe file.
Extend
The View
After MaxiVista has finally been set up a small icon appears in the
system tray of each PC. This is used to indicate that a connection
between Primary PC and Secondary PC has been made. If both icons in
the system tray are green then the connection has been successful.
To extend a program window from the Primary desktop to the Secondary
desktop all you now have to do is drag the program window from the
Primary to the Secondary pc – nothing could be simpler.
Fig 3:
Drag and Drop programs from one PC to another
Should you also use your pc for presentations then MaxiVista Mirror
Pro may be more suitable as this has a handy mirror option to mirror
the contents of the Primary PC onto that of the Secondary PC.
Verdict
MaxiVista is so simple even a child could use it. Simply drag and
drop the relevant program from one window to another and you are
done! It is the ideal, least expensive, substitute for anyone
unable, for whatever reason, to upgrade to a dual head graphics
card. MaxiVista is safe to use, isn’t power hungry, using only
around 2.5% of processing power, and with the capability of rotating
the screen through 90, 180 or 270 degrees makes it ideal for use
with not only older PCs and laptops but also the latest tablet PCs.
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Ease of Use: 10.0
-
Features: 10.0
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Value for Money: 8.0
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Overall: 9.0
